kids

So you’re just getting back into the swing of things after February Break and just starting to get back to your routine and now you have to figure out what to do with your kids during Spring Break. If you’re not going away, you still have to work while your kids are out of school, so what can do you?

Well, your kids can stay home all day and play video games or they can come to a Spring Break Boot Camp at The Digital Arts Experience and create something amazing!

From LEGO animation and 3D printing, to video game programming with Scratch or Python, we’ve got programs for all ages and all skill levels. And with half and full day options, as well as our super flexible drop-in schedule, we make planning your week easy knowing that your kids are in a safe, fun and exciting learning environment.

Programs run from April 11-14th. To find out more visit the TheDAE.com or give us a call at (914) 644-8100.

After School & Saturday STEAM Programs for Kids in Westchester, NY at The Digital Arts Experience (The DAE).

NEW CLASSES

We strive to stay cutting edge, which is why we’ve introduced new classes this Spring including: Tabletop Game Design, It’s Alive! Bringing Monsters to Life with Blender, Product Design & more!

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES

Enroll in either 6 or 12 weeks of a course. Weekday programs are 90 minutes long, weekend are 2 hours.

CREATE SOMETHING AMAZING

Our programs follow DAE curriculum designed with STEAM fields in mind. We want our students to have fun all while learning the most up to date digital arts and technology skills!

Starting March 7th, we will be offering a whole new set of youth programs. From 3D Printing to Animation, have your child explore their creative interests in one of our after school or weekend programs.

North Salem Students 3D Print Local Landmarks

Over the past six weeks, The Digital Arts Experience (The DAE) has been teaching 3D Printing to students ages 10-12 at the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library in North Salem, NY. The class used their new knowledge of 3D printing to create miniature replications of local historical buildings.

“This class puts a unique spin on our normal 3D Printing with Minecraft class. Working with the town of North Salem, we secured blueprints and drawings of a number of historical buildings in town, and the students were challenged to use Minecraft to create 3D models based on the drawings,” says Rob Kissner, President of The DAE.

Buildings modeled thus far include Delancy Hall, Croton Fall School House and Briddleside in addition to others. After receiving the blueprints, students went to work in Minecraft’s Creative Mode to map and build out each structure. Minecraft makes for an excellent modeling tool because every block is the same size, making it simple to build to scale. It’s a natural fit with kids because they don’t need to learn an abstract CAD program, but rather can use a program they are comfortable and confident with. DAE instructors love using Minecraft in a class setting because it’s accessible; building in Creative Mode is all about exploring, planning, creating and collaborating.

“I was amazed at how intricate their projects were. They all took their time to pay attention to each detail to ensure their models were accurate,” said Lory Murariu, an instructor from The Digital Arts Experience. “This project really challenged the students to think critically about the blueprints they were given and how to convert them into 3D models for print.”

Last week, The DAE took models that the students designed in Minecraft and 3D Printed them at the Makerspace inside their White Plains facility. With five 3D Printers, The DAE has created thousands of hours of student work.

The DAE hosts after school, weekend and summer STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) programs for kids and teens ages six and up. They hold classes at their White Plains location and also send instructors throughout Westchester to teach programs at various locations. To learn more about what The DAE can teach at your school or organization, visit: https://www.thedae.com/schools.

Things to do for kids in Westchester: Minecraft Tournament this weekend at The DAE

This weekend on Saturday, January 14th at The Digital Arts Experience we are hosting our first Minecraft tournament of 2017. This time around we are doing things a bit different. Now you’ll have 1 of 3 time slots slots to choose from:

Just like our previous tournaments, we’ll give you categories to choose from and you’ll get 1 hour in creative mode to build as best as possible! Prizes will include awesome 3D printed objects, gift certificates and more!

Got any questions about our Minecraft Tournament? Here’s a time lapse from one of our bigger tournaments a couple of years ago:

Feel free to give us a call at (914) 644-8100 or e-mail us questions at info@TheDAE.com. And as always you can visit our website at TheDAE.com.

This week is the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas. CES is where tech giants like Samsung, LG, and Panasonic as well as cutting edge tech startups show case their most innovative consumer technology. From the newest VR tech to the most cutting edge smart home devices, CES showcases everything from smartphones to internet connected washing machines. Of the amazing things I’ve seen come out of CES so far, one caught my eye that is particularly relevant to parents.

Every kid wants his or her own computer, but as a parent you have to think twice about buying your 7 year old an expensive computer that he or she might drop, step on, or spill liquid on. Acer announced at CES their Chromebook 11 N7 which will be available next month. The N7 is built to US military standards and can withstand spills, drops, and even 132 lbs of downward force on the top cover, meaning that your son or daughter can put this chromebook through the ringer and have it comes nearly unscathed on the other side!

Chromebooks are not for everyone and keep in mind that Minecraft doesn’t run on one, but we use Chromebooks regularly at The DAE because nearly all of the software teach is web based. Photo editing, 3D printing, computer programming and more can all be done with free web based software so Chromebooks are not as limiting as they used to be, not to mention all the standard computer functions like email, word processing and slideshow presentations come set up from the factory. As long as not being able to run Minecraft isn’t a deal breaker, the Acer N7 might be a great choice for your son or daughter, particularly because it will retail for $229.

Winter Break Programs for Kids & Teens at The DAE in Westchester County – The Digital Arts Experience (The DAE) is pleased to offer programs for kids and teens during the holiday season. With many choices on programs to choose from, we want kids to have fun while learning something new and staying engaged during their break.

For the week of 12/26 to 12/30, we will be running morning & afternoon programs running from 9:30AM to 3:30PM. The morning session runs from 9:30AM to 12:00PM while the afternoon session runs from 1:00PM to 3:30PM. Students can come for either session, or for the full day! Early drop off & late pickup options also available.

Won’t be around during holiday break? That’s okay! We will also be running 2 Holiday-themed 3D Printing workshops so that you’ll have a chance to design and print your own original decorations or trinkets! On Friday, 12/16 or Monday 12/19 – drop in anytime between 3 & 6:30PM! Click here to view the 3D Printing workshop schedule.